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Differences sorted out, Watson set to jet back to India

Shane Watson said on Monday that the 'homeworkgate' issue is firmly behind him, and he is looking forward to joining the Australian Test team in Delhi, ahead of the fourth and final Test, after sorting out differences with coach Mickey Arthur and high performance manager Pat Howard.

- Watson to return to India after serving ban

Watson was not considered for selection for the third Test in Mohali, along with three other members of the Australia touring squad, for failing to meet team standards. Following that decision he returned to Australia to attend the birth of his first child Will, who was born on Thursday.

He also rubbished theories that he was considering retirement following his axing from the team.

'I've a burning ambition to be an Australian Test player for as long as I can be'

"I've a burning ambition to be an Australian Test player for as long as I can be and help Australia win those big Test Series as well as the big ICC tournaments," Watson said on Tuesday.

"I've had several constructive discussions with team management back in Mohali over the past few days. We've spoken about how we are going to work together to move forward, as Australia attempts to climb back to the top of the ICC rankings," he added.

Watson's arrival in India was necessitated by the fact that captain Michael Clarke is struggling with a sore back and they are trailing 0-2 in the series, while battling for survival in Mohali.

If Clarke is ruled out of the final match, then Watson may captain Australia in that Test, starting in Delhi from March 22.

'We're looking forward to having Watto back'

Coach Arthur said he is convinced about Watson's commitment to the Australian cricket team and looking forward to having him back.

"Covering all the bases while preparing for any Test match is key to both us and Shane's recommitment to the team. In his chats with me this week we have been really positive. We're looking forward to having Watto back and around the group as we prepare for the fourth Test," he said.

The Australian all-rounder had reacted strongly to his dropping from the Mohali Test and said he was "absolutely shattered" at being dropped and will have to weigh his future in Tests now.

'Any time you're suspended for a Test match unless you do something unbelievably wrong, and obviously everyone knows what those rules are -- I think it is very harsh,' Watson was quoted as saying by the Australian media. I'm at a stage where I'm sort of weighing up my future and what I want to do with my cricket in general to be honest,' he added.

'Pat Howard doesn't particularly know me very well'

Watson had a public war of words with Australian high performance chief Pat Howard.

Howard had said that Watson acted in the best interests of the Australian team "sometimes", just after crisis hit the team following the sacking of four players for breach of discipline.

Watson then slammed Howard for his comments saying: 'Pat Howard doesn't particularly know me very well. He's obviously come from a rugby background and hasn't been in and around cricket for very long, so I think the best people to ask are the people I've played cricket with.'

'We are both now on the same page'

However, the all-rounder said the two had sorted out their differences and are looking forward to working with each other.

"I have also had a number of chats with Pat Howard over the last week and we are both now on the same page and are really looking forward to working together to get Australia to be the best team in the world. I'm looking forward to getting around the boys again and concentrating on moving forward. I'm entirely committed to the team and being the best player I can be," Watson said.

Watson will leave Australia on Monday evening and arrive in Delhi early Tuesday morning. He will train with the squad in Delhi on Wednesday morning ahead of the final Test.